MetroPCS planning to roll out service to three new markets in 2013 if T-Mobile deal is approved

MetroPCS and T-Mobile have already talked up some of the benefits that consumers will see from their proposed merger if it's approved, such as better coverage for existing T-Mobile subscribers. Today MetroPCS added to that list, saying that it plans to launch its service in three new markets by the end of 2013 if its T-Mobile merger is given the green light. The carrier didn't say exactly which markets those will be, but FierceWireless notes that MetroPCS CFO Braxton Carter has previously said that Metro intends to roll out service in places like Minneapolis and New Orleans, neither of which the carrier offers service in now. Carter also said that MetroPCS intends to expand its brand in 2013.

Another topic touched on by MetroPCS execs was the operator's customer base and LTE service. CEO Roger Linquist said that over 20 percent of MetroPCS customers are on its LTE network and that 75 percent of upgrades are moving to the LTE service. Finally, LTE users that are on Metro's $55 unlimited plan are said to be using around 2GB of data per month.

While we're in the dark right now about which markets MetroPCS may launch in if its deal with T-Mobile is approved, it'll be interesting to see which three areas Metro decides to spread its service to and when it'll do so. Of course, this all depends on the carrier's merger with T-Mo getting the regulatory thumbs-up, which is expected to happen in the first half of 2013. There's still a lot up in the air for now, but customers looking for a new prepaid option in a non-MetroPCS market may soon have another choice. How many of you are currently a MetroPCS subscriber?

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